Stars and Stripes Article
Observer Caught In Red Territory; Calls In Artillery
WITH U.S. 7th DIV, Nov. 4, 1952 (Pacific Ed. Stars & Stripes)
When Chinese Communists tooka small hill near HaMang-ni in North Korea the
night of October 12, an American forward observer serving with the 9th
Republic of Korea Division was trapped there alone in a collapsed bunker.
He is 2nd Lt. Eugene R. Barno, Binghampton, N.Y., of Battery A, 49th Field
Artillery Battalion. "They've surrounded us and are coming up." he radioed
to Ist Lt. Shelby G. Alfred, Bethany, La., when the assault began.
ALFRED CALLED for the forward observer to come back to safety, but Barno
said he was pinned down by the bunker roof, "Just send more fire. Give me
more fire," he insisted.
Barno had been slightly wounded by artillery and grenades but continued to
call artillery fire on the hill for more than six hours until his radio
went dead early in the morning.
HE HAD CALLED in more than 7,800 rounds when ROK infantrymen took back the
hill near daybreak. Many had been direct hits on his own position, which
killed Chinese trying to capture him.
Barno was later dug from his trap by South Koreans and evacuated to Japan
for medical treatment, but is expected to rejoin his battery this week.
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Former POW Remembers
On Sun, 7 Mar 1999
Carroll Harrod Email addresswrote:
My name is Carroll D. Harrod and I was a member of the 49th FA Bn in
Korea until I was captured in February, 1951. In looking at the 49th FA
name list, I have just recently ordered the 7th Inf. Div History Book
which I hope covers the Korean War more completely. Would appreciate
hearing from anyone. My last assignment in the 49th FA Bn was Battalion
Liaison Officer, and at the time I was captured we were in direct
artillelry support of one of the ROK Regiments.
What I am trying to find now is anyone who was a member of the two
batteries transferred from the 78th AFA Bn, 2nd Armored Div.,
Ft. Hood, TX to the 49th FA Bn, 7th Inf Div. in 1950.
I need dates of departure from US, Staging in Japan, and details of our
shipment to Korea. I have determined that the CO of my 49th FA Bn at the
time I was with them was Lt. Col Barney White, and the name of the CO of
the 2nd Bn 17th Inf. Regt. was Lt. Col. Denzil Baker, and would like to
know if either of these officers are alive and members of any
Associations.
Regards,
Carroll Harrod
More: My memory tells me I was wounded and captured in early February,
1951 and returned to Military Control about a month later in Mar, 1951.
The other date I am sure of is the date that the "A" Co, 7th Cav Regt.
tank patrol picked us up and brought us back to their area near
Yongdong-ni. This date was 12 March, 1951.
On the back of one of the pictures that were taken by the U.S. Army
Signal Corps it says "(L to R) Lt. Wilbur Webster (Tacoma, Wash) of Btry
D, 82nd AAA, US 2nd Inf Div, and Capt. Carroll D. Harrod (Grand Ledge,
Mich) of Hq. Btry, 49th FA Bn, US 7th Inf Div, who were captured by the
Chinese Communists north of Hoengsong, Korea, on 11 Feb.
While wounded, they later escaped and are pictured here shortly after
their arrival in the 7th Cav. Regt., 1st Cav. Div area at Yongdong-ni,
Korea.
I became acquainted with Lt. Webster at one of the POW collecting points
we were taken to, and I am still having correspondence with him. He
assembled a good account of our experiences while held by the Chinese
and is forwarding me a copy.
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HQ Battery
On Sat, 11 Jan 1997
Henry Johnston THEHARK@aol.com wrote:
308 knob hill dr
bristol, tn 37620
423 968 5505
I served in Hdqtr Battery of 49th FAB from July 1952 thru August 53.
I would like to hear from anyone who served at that time. I was in the
communication area.
My E-mail address is THEHARK@AOL.com.
Please reply.
Roy Head
On Thu, 22 May 1997
rhensley@mounet.com wrote:
David Head is looking for info on his brother, Roy E. Head. He was
killed as a POW in 1951.
Battery C
On Fri, 11 Jul 1997
Jeff Connors Email address wrote:
41 Willow Street
Wellesley, MA 02181
datein: 1953 dateout: 1953
I would like to know if anyone served with my father, Lieutenant John
W. Connors, who served in Battery C of the 49th FAB.
He was awarded a Silver Star for an incident at Songhyon in March
of 1953, and fought on Pork Chop Hill.
My respect and regards to you all.
A Battery
On Fri, 27 Mar 1998
Ralph Wilkinson Email address wrote:
677 Allen Ave
Portland, ME 04103
Telephone: 1-07-797-3705
F/O Btry A 49th FAB from Dec 5 to March 53. F/O with Btry B 57th FAB
Apr 53 to June 53. Div Arty 7th Inf Div. Would like to hear from anyone
in these unit for these dates, also, anyone who participated in the
battle for Pork Chop Hill.
Finding men
On Thu, 24 Jun 1999
Don Weaver Email address wrote:
Pvt Donald James Weaver is looking for those who served in the 17th
infantry and the 49th field artillery 1951/1952.
The 49th was composed of 10 spotter planes (2 from each unit and 2 from
corp).
I remember very few names, Capt Pound (pilot) nicknamed one pound,pound,
Zenith P Huckrow, and a Corp Leisman. I served with some really great
guys and would love to hear from any one who served in our unit, or is
looking for those who served in our unit.
Thanks, you can e-mail me at gotcha2121@aol.com
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